Printable PDF being generated for Word Search: Soccer Terminology

Words and Definitions in this list:

Defender:
These are the players whose main purpose is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. They normally play on the third of the field which is closest to their own goal (the goal they are defending). Defenders are also called backs.
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Forward:
These players are the ones trying to score. They play on the part of the field closest to the opposing team’s goal. You might also hear the term striker used to refer to a forward, especially one who is a leading scorer on the team.
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Midfielder:
As the name suggests, midfielders play in the middle third of the field. They serve as a link between the defenders and the forwards.
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Goalkeeper:
This player is the last line of defense for the goal. He is the only player allowed to catch the ball with his hands, but only if he is the area immediately in front of the goal which is called the penalty area. The goalkeeper might also be called the goalie or keeper.
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Tackle:
Getting the ball away from an opposing player by kicking it.
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Center:
Sometimes called a cross. Passing the ball from the side of the field toward the center.
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Save:
When the goalkeeper prevents the ball from entering the goal.
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Clearing:
Moving the ball away from the area directly in front of the goal the player is defending.
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Shielding:
Placing your body between the ball and an opposing player when you have possession of the ball.
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Field:
The playing area. It might also be called the pitch.
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Center Circle:
The circle in the middle of the field where play begins. It is 20 yards in diameter. Kickoffs take place in the very center of the circle (the center spot). The defending team must stay outside of the circle during kickoffs.
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Midfield Line:
The line across the middle of the field which goes through the center circle.
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Penalty Area:
It is the larger area in front of each goal, and extends to 18 yards in front of the goal. Fouls in this area might result in a penalty kick. This is also the area where the goalkeeper can use his hands.
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Goal Area:
The smaller area in front of each goal. It extends 6 yards in front of the goal. Indicates where goal kicks are taken.
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Penalty Arc:
The arc at the top of the penalty box. Players must stand beyond the penalty arc when a penalty kick is taken.
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Touchline:
This is also called the sideline. The line along each long side of the field.
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Endline:
The line along each short side of the field.
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Corner Arc:
An arc at each corner, 1 yard in radius. Corner kicks must be taken from within this area.
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Foul:
When an umpire determines that a player has committed a violation of the rules against an opposing player.
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Caution:
This is also called a yellow card. When a player commits a serious offense, the umpire shows him a yellow card.
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Red Card:
When an umpire shows a player a red card, it indicates that the player is banned from the rest of the game. This is done for very serious offenses or if a player receives a second caution in a game.
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Corner Kick:
When the defending team sends the ball across the end line, the attacking team gets to take a kick from within the corner arc.
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Goal Kick:
When the attacking team sends the ball across the end line, the defending team gets to take a kick from within the goal area.
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Indirect Free Kick:
A free kick which is taken from the place where a foul occurred. The ball much touch another player before a goal can be scored. This is for less serious fouls.
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Direct Free Kick:
Like an indirect free kick, but it doesn't have to touch another player before scoring a goal. This is for more serious fouls.
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Penalty Kick:
A kick taken from 12 yards in front of the goal when a contact foul or hand ball takes place inside the penalty area.
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Offside:
Offside is complicated. I have been on the sidelines watching many soccer games where the parents are saying things like “Wasn't that offside?” or “Why was that offside?”. Basically, the team approaching the opposing team’s goal has a player between the goal and the person on their team who has the ball and the ball is passed to him. That is the simple version of this rule, but there is more to it.
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Charging:
Running at the player who has the ball or who is trying to gain possession of the ball and attempting to unbalance him. This foul results in an indirect free kick.
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Intentional Tripping:
Tripping a member of the opposing team on purpose. This foul results in a direct free kick.
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Pushing:
Pushing another player as with an elbow. This foul results in a direct free kick.
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Dangerous Play:
A play which might injure somebody such as high kicking. This can include a play which is dangerous to the person committing the foul. This foul results in an indirect free kick.
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Obstruction:
When a defensive player, instead of going after the ball, intentionally obstructs an opponent to prevent him from tackling the player who is receiving the ball. This foul results in an indirect free kick.